Riyadh: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah, which ended Jan. 17, “reflects a long journey of leadership and cultural development, evolving from a simple initiative to promote a local product into an annual festival that embodies the authenticity and cultural identity of the Qassim region,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Klija — a popular spiced cookie or pastry — is typically made from ingredients including wheat flour, sugar, lemon, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and molasses, with the dough stuffed and baked to a crisp. It has become an “economic symbol, that has empowered productive families, supported artisans, and converted heritage skills into sustainable income,” the SPA stated, adding that the festival has established itself as “a key tourism and cultural event.”

To reflect that transformation, starting from next year, the festival will be called the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who said the festival is a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”

This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, featured international participants from Egypt, Turkiye, and Morocco, signaling its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.

Families in the cottage industry showcased their products, while special pavilions featured popular dishes, sweets, and a variety of handicrafts. Professional chefs presented diverse traditional dishes, complemented by daily activities and competitions for attendees. It “attracted a large turnout of visitors and heritage enthusiasts from across the Kingdom, the Gulf region, and beyond,” according to the SPA.

The festival is adding “international” to its name in the hope of attracting broader global expertise, while continuing to highlight Qassim’s unique cultural identity in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

The Culinary Arts Commission has adopted Klija as Qassim’s signature product, “affirming its cultural value and role in representing the region’s food identity,” the SPA stated.